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Are Dog Training Group Classes Necessary?
Your puppy or older dog has completed basic obedience training. Congratulations! You and your pet have not only developed trust and strengthened your bond, but your puppy or dog is well on their way to becoming a loyal, loving companion.
Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth knows dog training is truly a lifelong pursuit. As your puppy or dog masters the basics, you can move onto more complicated tricks and training. Maybe you’ve progressed from “sit” to seeing how long they can hold it, or you’re working on taking your pet through an obstacle course.
It can be hard to come up with new ideas to train your dog, and after months of having structured training one-on-one with your pet it can be especially difficult to know what to do next. What will benefit both you and your dog the most?
Dog Training Elite offers dog training classes in Fort Worth for puppies and older dogs that may be the answer you’re looking for. While group training classes aren’t always necessary, they can be extremely beneficial to both your dog and you.
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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Benefits of Group Classes
Just like humans, dogs all have their own personalities. Some may receive and respond to all the training they need from private, one-on-one instruction, while others may find great benefit from attending a group class. Group classes can be a great asset to both dogs and their owners, since it provides them with many different situations and experiences they may not otherwise have. Here are some other benefits of attending group dog training classes:
Socialization
Group dog training classes have a number of benefits, particularly with socialization. Taking a puppy to group classes once they’re immunized will help them grow into a well-socialized dog comfortable with other dogs and humans. Older dogs who weren’t well socialized as puppies can learn to socialize in a small, safe environment. Trainers will recognize signs of possible conflict between dogs and help owners learn how to diffuse situations and take care of their pets, and dogs will learn how to interact appropriately with each other.
Dog training classes can also be beneficial for owners! If you bring your dog to a group class, you’ll meet other dog owners and become part of a community. Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth likes to make group classes exciting for both dogs and their owners, so expect to learn fun training games and enjoy an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing. Classes meet once a week, and both you and your dog will look forward to going every week.
Focus
Besides the socialization benefits, group classes are a great tool for dogs to learn to work around distractions. If your dog is perfectly obedient at home, but loses his or her mind at the dog park and forgets all they’ve learned, group classes are the way to go. Group classes are a safe way to help your dog learn to listen to you, even when they’re surrounded by exciting sights, smells and sounds.
Hands on Learning
In a dog training class, you are in control of the training. While your pooch may occasionally be used as the ‘demo’ dog, there will be very few instances where your dog only has to listen to the trainer. With a class, you are the trainer, and the instructor is just acting as a guide. With all of Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth’s training options - in-home or through a class - you will always be the No. 1 trainer, not just sitting on the sidelines as someone else takes charge.
Each dog is unique, and the small classes at Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth will allow you and your dog to still receive personalized attention and training. You will also have the opportunity to learn from other dogs and their owners. Imagine the trainer advises another owner how to help their dog learn to play independently. Later, you might remember the advice and apply it to your own dog, away from the class.
*Classes are open to all dog breeds and sizes, but all dogs are required to be immunized.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
The Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth Difference
Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth training method is the same. Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth focuses on positive reinforcement, also called “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” method. Research has shown positive reinforcement to be more effective with longer lasting results than other training methods.
Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth does not use punishments or shock collars and instead pairs positive reinforcement training with an electronic collar for superior results. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.
Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs. a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog’s loving and naturally obedient nature.
Signs Your Dog is Ready for Training
Every dog can benefit from training, and it can sometimes be a lifelong pursuit. If you’re wondering if training is right for you, here are some signs your dog is ready for training:
Your Dog is Destructive
Whether it’s chewing on furniture or shoes, going to the bathroom in your house, or anything else your dog is not supposed to do -- it’s time to get them trained out of these sorts of behaviors. Even older dogs who were previously well-behaved may develop bad habits later in life and need a training refresher.
Your Dog is Aggressive
Aggression can manifest itself in multiple ways; perhaps your dog growls or snaps at you when you get close to his or her food, or toys. Even more concerning is when your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or humans. Yes, sometimes dogs play in a way that seems aggressive, but if your dog is lunging at or snapping at people or other dogs while you’re on walks, it’s time to get a trainer’s help.
Your Dog Misbehaves on Their Leash
Walking nicely on a leash does not come naturally to most dogs but it is something that can be learned. Again, even older dogs who previously walked well on a leash may start to act out.
Your Dog is Anxious or Fearful
If your dog is dealing with severe separation anxiety, or is fearful in new environments, a trainer can help. For separation anxiety a trainer will work with you and your dog on a routine to reassure your dog. General training, especially in group classes, can help dogs build confidence.
Your Dog Ignores You at the Park
Or on walks, or whenever you’re outside. If your dog is obedient when they’re in your home, but loses their mind outside, he or she would benefit from more training. Group classes can be especially helpful because they put your dog in a safe environment with the kinds of distractions you experience outside. Training your dog in situations where there are other distractions helps them learn to obey even when there are other stimulating sights and sounds.
Join a Group Class Today!
Don’t wait! Find your nearest Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth location to find a group class schedule and join a group dog training class today. Start building a community for you and your dog, and continue to strengthen your bond with your furry best friend.
Find a trainer near you today!
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
We worked with Jordan yesterday and my puppy responded Really well to him and we got lots of great help! Really looking forward to how Clark progresses and to see how the next sessions go.— Laura Riggs
Posted May 6th 2024
We contacted Dog Training Elite to help us with Bean, our not so mini mini dachshund who wasn’t great with new people coming into our home especially men. As we are relocating overseas & only had enough time for 4 sessions, the best we hoped for was great advice that we could take with us & put into practice. 4 sessions later we are delighted not just with the advice but the incredible change in Bean’s behaviour! All we can say is a huge thank you to the team at Dog Training Elite not only for accommodating us with so little time but for setting us up to succeed with Bean. A special thanks to our trainers Kyler & Tra. You guys are amazing! Thank you!!!— Tracey McAdam
Posted April 27th 2024
They staff is AMAZING. Very helpful, and really explains everything. Luke and cowboy has done an amazing job really building a bond!!! I would recommend!!!!— Dkota Gibbs
Posted December 21st 2023
I can’t speak highly enough of this group of trainers! They have been very professional and VERY helpful. Luke is my daughter’s favorite trainer and he does so well with my daughter and her dog. You WILL NOT regret hiring them to train your dog. Highly recommend!!— Tonya Gibbs
Posted December 21st 2023
All the trainers have been great but Luke and Cowboy are absolutely amazing! Our service dog has been very responsive! We have friends who have also utilized this service and love it just as much! Thank you Luke and the Elite team!— Stacey and Josh Glosson
Posted December 20th 2023
This company is hands down the best training program in Dallas! I cannot recommend them enough. All of the trainers I’ve worked with have been so kind and helpful. With training, my dog and I have built a level of trust and a deeper bond after every session. Luke and Cowboy have been wonderful to work with and genuinely care about the success of your dogs training. If you’re looking for a trainer in Dallas, this is the place!— Lacey Spell
Posted December 20th 2023
We needed to have our corgi service trained. Our trainers were amazing. We loved that they came to our house. It was so much easier to keep our pup’s attention. The trainers had great recommendations for training, and were always right on time. They’ve reached out to our social media to watch our progress @travellingprincessannie. You can tell they holistically care about our success with Annie. We’ve had such fun with our girl, we even took her on vacation. We couldn’t have done so without the dedication of the trainers and staff. Thank you!— melany loftin
Posted August 30th 2023
Luke was awesome! He is very knowledgeable with scent and obedience training and helped us understand what we were doing in order to train our puppy.— Marcus Morgan
Posted August 24th 2023
Luke is amazing! He takes the time to answer all of my questions and is incredibly encouraging as I practice new skills with my puppy. Luke also works well with my daughter, helping her to be a part of the training. I started training feeling unsure of myself, but each week I leave session feeling more and more confident. Dusty is going to be a fabulous therapy dog because of Dog Training Elite!— Ashley Smith
Posted August 20th 2023
This is the BEST place to get your dog trained. My puppy Oakley has been working with Luke for 3 months now and it’s amazing how much she’s learned. Luke is so good with her and she gets so excited every time she sees him. All the workers are so positive and helpful. I highly recommend.— Catherine Calomeni
Posted August 17th 2023
Definitely recommend Dog training elite! Cheyenne was super helpful with our dog Rocky! He finished up his in person trainings today, and has become more confident and obedient!— Cara Kasemsri Webb
Posted August 14th 2023
I have been blown away by the trainers at Dog Training Elite! We are just beginning our therapy dog training journey and Dusty has already made such progress. Both Luke and Felicity took extra time and care to thoughtfully respond to any and all of my questions. I've tried other training formats in the past and nothing beats having a trainer in my own home to be able to individualize the training to my family's needs. I highly recommend this group!— Ashley Smith
Posted July 17th 2023
I’ve gone through the 1 on 1 training with my blue heeler/corgi Winnie and now I’ve been taking her to the weekly group classes which has been great! Winnie struggles with dog reactivity so at first the idea of taking her to a group class full of dogs sounded like a nightmare. Amazingly she’s been doing great and it’s been exactly what she needs to work on that dog reactivity! Both Kyler and Jordan have been great! They are so friendly and familiar with each dog in the group which helps me feel confident they know exactly what my dog needs to be challenged. They both welcome questions after class and are a constant support for both Winnie and my other dogs at home. Thank you Dog Training Elite!— Melissa Robinson
Posted July 4th 2023
Jordan is patient and calm while training our dog and teaching us what to do. He is great to work with. Lulu learned respect quickly. I would highly recommend him. His dog Atlas was such a sweet dog and very well trained.— Juanita Ace-Bo
Posted July 3rd 2023
Absolutely love Dog Training Elite and all the progress our Aussie - Podrick has made thus far in therapy training! Especially our trainer Jordan and Atlas! He took all the time to get to know Podrick and to help make him feel comfortable and controlled throughout his training sessions. As well as being extremely thorough in making sure my husband and I felt comfortable and ready to take on the training ourselves throughout the week before our next session. Highly recommend them for you and your fur babies! Happy Training!— Alexis Reinke
Posted May 8th 2023
We put our two adopted Rottweiler/American Bully littermates Duke and Daisy through a board and train program with another company when they were about 6 months old and, while they ended up with a decent grasp of basic commands, we still felt pretty helpless as owners since we received very little education on how to effectively continue the training ourselves. After seeing Duke react to the choke chain we were told to use, I was pretty set on reinforcement-based training alone due to my own fears about causing more harm than good, but we were quickly becoming exhausted with two adolescent sibling pups who needed handfuls of treats all day long to listen to us. When they turned about 7-8 months old, our lives became extremely stressful, as both dogs, who were always a bit timid despite what we thought was sufficient socialization, developed a significant fear of strangers, reacting toward people and other dogs, and sometimes redirecting onto each other. Once we started guiltily whispering about possibly rehoming at least one of the puppies I started searching again to see if there were any other good options. After reading some really excellent reviews and having owner Tra over to the house for an evaluation, we decided that we’d give Dog Training Elite a try. I’m happy to say that the trainers here have turned these pups around in a remarkably short time. After working with Kyler, Kat (& Bojack), and Jordan (& Atlas) the dogs have gained a ton of confidence. They respond to commands much more reliably, check in with us when they’re not sure about a situation, and have shown significant improvement in impulse control. Each trainer has been great to work with. Kyler showed the ultimate amount of patience while Daisy laid on the ground for at least 15 minutes during our very first session to try to avoid having to work with a tall, “scary” bearded man. Kat was a rockstar, walking up and down the ridiculously steep hills on our street for most of an hour (with each pup!) to work on getting a good “heel.” And a huge shoutout to Jordan, who we’ve worked with for 3 sessions, as he’s been nothing short of amazing. The perfect combination of calm and confidence, he has major skill in working with both dogs and people. He and his dog Atlas have helped Duke figure out how to curb his alarming frustration shrieks and focus on us when he sees another dog he wants to wrestle. Jordan even tailored one of our sessions in a way that helped us address our concerns about how the puppies react when friends or strangers enter the house, which was far beyond our expectations. Rest assured, these are good people who know what they’re doing with dogs and their owners, and learning how to effectively communicate with your dog in a real world environment makes this company very unique. We couldn’t be more pleased with our experience.— Beth Runkel
Posted April 13th 2023
Our 8 month old Aussie is smart, huge, and pushy (read: out of control). Even though we’ve had many dogs before, he was proving very difficult to train on our own. We signed him up for the 2 week puppy school and are SO PLEASED with the results. Luke did a wonderful job with our pup (patient, encouraging, gave our pup breaks when he needed them, playful, and most of all thorough). Our pup is well-trained with his e-collar now. He can be trusted around strangers in crowds, around other dogs, around my students. He is so enjoyable now! This was a great investment.— cheesemyhead
Posted March 31st 2023
My trainer Jordan was excellent! Very professional and so good with my Dog! Highly recommended him!— Gianna Cerullo
Posted March 29th 2023
Definitely recommend Dog Training Elite! Jordan is great and understands my dog very well! My dog and his dog Atlas worked really well together and I’m happy to be working with them. Excited for group training !— Moe Omar
Posted March 28th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.